News / Defense

Thirty security forces killed in foreign-backed riots in Isfahan: Official

Sunday, 11 January 2026 9:15 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 11 January 2026 10:22 AM ]

Hundreds attend a funeral in Shiraz on January 10, 2025, for two police forces killed during recent foreign-backed riots. (Photo by IQNA)

Isfahan's governor confirmed that 30 security personnel have been killed during the recent foreign-backed riots in the province.

Speaking on Sunday, Ali Ahmadi said a funeral procession has been planned for the fallen staff on Monday.

Ahmadi confirmed that a two-month-old infant is among the civilian toll of the armed riots.

The riots have resulted in widespread damage, including the arson of ten mosques across Isfahan, according to local reports.

In the neighboring Fars Province, at least 12 security forces have been killed during the riots, according to Ibrahim Bayani, Director General of the provincial Martyrs’ Foundation department.

Furthermore, Police Special Units Commander General Masoud Modaqq announced on Sunday that eight personnel from his command have been killed during the riots.

Their funeral processions on Monday coincide with a planned nationwide rally that will slam armed attacks and acts of terrorism by foreign-linked agents, who have hijacked the Iranian people’s protest to economic grievances.

The aggregate number of security forces or civilians killed in the deadly riots has not been announced yet.

Several attacks on medical and aid centers have also been reported across the country.

In the northern province of Gilan, a voluntary Red Crescent staff member was killed during one of the attacks. Five other Red Crescent staff have been injured across the nation.

Iranian officials reiterated that while peaceful protests over economic challenges are legitimate and will be addressed, violence and sabotage will not be tolerated.

Authorities say rioters have exploited public concern over rising living costs and the sharp depreciation of the rial—problems attributed to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran’s central bank and oil exports.

Security and judicial officials have announced the dismantling of several armed terror cells and the arrest of foreign-linked operatives.

Iranian officials say acts of violence have been openly encouraged by American and Israeli figures, including Trump’s warnings that Washington could attack Iran if what he called “peaceful protesters” were harmed, as well as statements by former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hinting at Israeli intelligence involvement and separatist plots.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Friday that the Islamic Republic “will not back down against vandals” and will not tolerate those acting as foreign mercenaries.

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